Is the equivalent lens of two such that f_1+f_2<h divergent?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of two thin lenses with focal lengths f1 and f2 separated by a distance h. The formula for the equivalent focal length is given by 1/f = 1/f1 + 1/f2 + h/(f1 f2). It is established that if f1 + f2 < h, the equivalent lens should theoretically be divergent. However, a counterexample is presented where the image remains real despite this condition, suggesting that the actual condition for divergence may be f1 + f2 > h. This is supported by a reference to a diagram in a lab manual illustrating the scenario.

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crick
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The focal of the lens equivalent of two thin lens at distance h is
$$1/f=1/f_1+1/f_2+h/(f_1 f_2)$$

Therefore, supposing that ##f_1>0## and ##f_2>0## (both lenses are convergent), if ##f_1+f_2 <h## then the equivalent lens should be divergent.

Nevertheless consider the example in picture
11.png


The two lenses have focals such that ##f_1+f_2 <h## but the image is real, i.e. the equivalent lens cannot be divergent. I understood the ray diagram, but how can this hold true?
 
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crick said:
Therefore, supposing that f1>0f1>0f_1>0 and f2>0f2>0f_2>0 (both lenses are convergent), if f1+f2<hf1+f2<hf_1+f_2
Can you quote the source for this claim?
 
Check out Fig. 5.30 here: http://engineering.tufts.edu/bme/people/georgakoudi/EN31Lab4ThinLensCombinations.pdf

It shows two thin lenses separated by a distance greater than the sum of their focal lengths and a real, erect image.
 
Maybe the condition for the equivalent lens to be diverging is ##f_1+f_2 >h## . In that case, f1 is to the right of f2 in your diagram. A real image formed by the first lens will be within a focal length of the second lens and the result will be a virtual image.
 

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